“For two weeks each year at the end of February and start of March, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks. mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid.
In 2021, Fairtrade Fortnight will feel very different. 2020 has been a hard year for everyone and we know that physically campaigning and meeting people will continue to be challenging in 2021 but we have also heard from so many of you that you want to continue to support Fairtrade through this time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us more than ever how interconnected we are globally. This interconnection is at the very heart of the Fairtrade message and is where your role begins. You are part of the Fairtrade movement and you have the power to drive long-term change, not only with your shopping choices but with your support in spreading the message. We just have to do this a little differently in 2021!”
About David Smith
A lifelong co-operative activist. Recent experience includes Co-operative Foundation Trustee (2014-2016); Co-operative Group Main Board, Specialist Board & National Values & Principles Committee (2014); Co-operative Group Senate (2014-2015); Co-operative Group Wales Regional Board (2009-2014), South Wales Area Committee (from 1990-2014). Public service includes Government Food Adviser (2000-2006); UK Healthcare Regulator (2003-2008)
David directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme; including pioneering a wide range of co-operative & community driven initiatives: free legal services, community-based housing associations, care and repair, pre-school and adventure play, local Co-op Development Agencies, multipurpose Social Care Co-operatives. Founded: Cardiff Student Community Action, Welsh Food Alliance & Wales Progressive Co-operators. Currently, Deacon, Canton Uniting Church, Cardiff; Board Member, Newport Credit Union; Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College, (1983-1998).
Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff and has a MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Post Graduate Certificate Education (Further Education) Cardiff; Professional Food & Management qualifications.
